Winter is coming soon. We are ready for it
Published 10.11.2025
Everyone wants public transportation to run as smoothly as possible – even in the winter. Ruter, the bus companies, and partners have sat down to share challenges and solutions across. Now we have a joint plan.
– It is important that the industry stands together in the challenges we are most likely going to face this winter. By doing so, we significantly increase the chance of maintaining the best possible service, says the CEO of Ruter, Bernt Reitan Jenssen.
The most important improvements
- The bus companies have conducted skid training courses and chain fitting courses. The buses has new tires, and they have mapped out alternative routes, and secured extra equipment and staffing.
- The snow removal team has increased capacity with additional snowplows.
- Ruter has improved systems and processes, developed detailed measures down to street level, and strengthened customer service with increased capacity and expertise.
Questions and answers about public transport in winter conditions
What does Ruter do to avoid delays when there is a lot of snow?
The Information and Coordination Center (IOSS) closely monitors the traffic situation and has the ability to reallocate transportation resources as needed. At the same time, we do our best to inform our customers through the journey planner, real-time information, ruter.no, and social media.
We cover a large area that has various challenges, therefore we have prepared different measures for different sections. For example, this could involve deploying a chain-equipped bus on a section where experience shows it is challenging, while the regular bus operates on another, more easily navigable route.
Do the buses have chains?
Yes, buses are legally required to be equipped with chains.
Whether chains should and can be used depends on the situation. It takes time to put on chains, and because it is so time-consuming, the bus is often canceled before the driver has managed to put on all the chains.
During heavy snowfall and lack of plowing, it happens that other vehicles get stuck and block the bus route, and in these cases, chains alone do not solve the problem.
How do we ensure that electric buses operate well during the winter?
Bus operators have implemented many measures here. Now, many of the buses have heaters powered by biodiesel. Consequently, they have a significantly longer range because they don't have to use the battery for heating.
There has been a major upgrade in recent years to the charging infrastructure, so that buses have more and better chargers available. Many buses have also updated software for improved anti-spin function.
What is the distribution of responsibilities between Ruter and the bus companies?
Ruter manages the public transportation in Oslo and Akershus. This means that we, among other things, plan the routes and sell the tickets. Travelers can call Ruter's customer service if they need help.
Those who drive the buses are employed by the bus companies. It is these companies and ultimately the individual driver who have the ultimate responsibility for safety to assess whether it is safe to drive.
Measures to avoid cancellations
A significant improvement this year for Ruter is the detailed measures right down to street level. This means that we have measures for problem areas on a specific line, so that we don't have to suspend the entire line due to local challenges.
This winter, Ruter will also have operational meetings with operators and snowplow crews as soon as a yellow warning is issued.
Better information for travelers
Ruter has enhanced the capacity of customer service with more self-service solutions and the use of artificial intelligence and automation. We have also trained other Ruter employees who can assist when needed.
– When there's a storm outside, the phones are storming too. Good expectation management, travel advice, and timely deviation information to the customers become important in the winter, says Møyfrid Aandstad, who is the director of operations at Ruter.
Even though all parties are well-prepared, it is inevitable that winter presents weather-related challenges.
– Winter will bring challenges, so it's important to be realistic and thus manage the expectations of travelers. At the same time, we will do everything we can to get people to their destinations. Our main advice is to check the app or the journey planner before you travel this winter, concludes Aandstad.